Italeri 1/48 scale JAS 39 A Gripen

Kit: No. 2638
Scale: 1/48 Manufacturer: Italeri, from Testor Corp., 815-962-6654, www.testors.com
Price: $27
Comments: Injection-molded, 119 parts, decals
Pros: Easy to build, good detail, excellent Sidewinders, good selection of ordnance
Cons: Basic cockpit and wheel-well details, soft recessed detail, thick fin

The Saab Gripen is the latest in a long line of Saab fighters developed for the Swedish Air Force. Designed for interceptor, attack, and reconnaissance roles, the aerodynamic Gripen uses modern avionics. It combines blistering high-speed performance with excellent short field takeoff and landing characteristics through the use of its delta wing and canards.

Italeri's new kit features recessed panel lines that are a bit soft for today's standards. A surprising amount of ordnance is provided, including Sidewinders, two Mavericks, two RB 15F anti-ship missiles, and a central fuel tank. Also included is a FLIR pod, which when combined with the above ordnance, makes the Gripen look like a real "trash hauler" instead of a sleek dogfighter.

Options include poseable canopy, hinged radome with radar dish, and optional-position speed brakes. Decal options are provided for one Czech and two Swiss machines. The instructions include a parts map and color recommendations with Federal Standard numbers. Mention of the proper amount of weight required to keep the nose down is a nice touch. The decals are well printed except for the small formation lights, which are a little off. The development aircraft scheme has colorful Swedish insignia, but the two others are subdued.

The parts fit well. The cockpit detail is sparse, with Italeri's usual decals for the consoles and instrument panel. There's no sidewall detail. The ejection seat isn't bad, but an aftermarket cockpit would bring the model up to competition standards.

The only fit problem I had was with the bottom fuselage seam, where the leading edge of the wing goes under the body Numerous antennas are molded onto the spine and vertical fin, and sanding the seams around them is tricky.

The landing gear wells have basic plumbing details and the gear legs are well represented. The wheels were hard to paint as they lack well-defined rims.
The Sidewinder missiles have separate fins and look particularly nice for this scale. I was impressed that most of the pins on the various pylons and landing gear pieces actually fit into their respective holes.

The decals went down fine over a glossy surface. Small details, such as the pitot tubes, are over scale, and the trailing edge of the rudder is way too thick. Still, the kit ends up as a good representation of this sleek, modern jet. I spent 18 hours on this model, a little less than average owing to the good fit and simple paint scheme.

- Randy Dieck